Length-to-side silhouettes for boxer brief/boyshort type disposable absorbent articles and arrays

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article may have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.5. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.5.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, under 35 USC 119(e), to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/527,571 filed on Jun. 30, 2017 andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/530,482 filed on Jul. 10,2017, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to disposable absorbent articles andarrays of disposable absorbent articles which are designed to fitdifferent body sizes, shapes and types in a manner consistent withunderwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A key benefit of having the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette of lessthan 1.6 is that it provides an overall product shape closer to that ofunderwear specifically boy shorts for girls and boxer briefs for boys.These product forms provide a greater level of coverage and anchoringwhich will prevent the absorbent article from moving around on the bodyonce it has been applied. The resultant design enables a product that isanchored effectively at multiple areas, the waist, hip and legs of thewearer and as result the product will slide or sag to a much lesserdegree during wear than a product with a higher Product Length-to-SideSilhouette, for example a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette greater than2.3. Having a lower Product Length-to-Side Silhouette also results in aproduct fit, which is tailored to fit more like a boxer brief orboyshort, fitting not only at the waist and hips but also along the legsthereby providing increased product stability, more effective gasketing,improved coverage and sufficient discretion while providing a productthat more closely matches the desired underwear forms referenced above.Additionally, product designs, which mimic the general shape ofunderwear convey to wearers a better, more tailored fit as the ProductLength-to-Side Silhouettes are more similar to underwear forms theyreadily recognize. The designs enabled by the present disclosure aremore targeted by design, i.e. the product is located properly withregard to the waist, hip and legs of the wearer and therefore provides agreater level of fit, gasketing, comfort, stability and discretion allwhile addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the wearer.

Today there are a number of underwear forms, silhouettes, that are soldglobally and they can be characterized generally into the group of girlbikini, girl hipsters (low rise briefs), girl briefs, girl boy shorts,boy low rise briefs, boy briefs and boy boxer briefs. These variousunderwear forms exist to provide wearers with an individual choice toallow them to find the right fit, level of comfort, degree of coverage,freedom of movement and appearance they desire. The transition fromdisposable absorbent articles to “real” underwear is the milestone everycaregiver and absorbent article wearer looks forward to reaching. Forwearers who have difficulty during the urine and or BM training stage,wearers with special needs and wearers who suffer from nocturnalenuresis, this milestone is very difficult to achieve. The inability forthese individuals to achieve this milestone can have a significantpsychological and emotional impact. Therefore, there is a significantlongstanding unmet consumer need to create absorbent articles that moreclosely match underwear in shape or form, fit, comfort and appearancewhile delivering superior leakage performance, protection andconfidence. This longstanding consumer need forms the basis for thepresent disclosure. The present disclosure leverages key anatomicalparameters translated into product parameters that provide products thatmore closely match the anatomy and/or provide a more underwear likeexperience to those suffering from uncontrollable incontinence. Theabsorbent articles of the present disclosure help provide some level ofnormalcy and emotional and psychological relief for these incontinencesufferers.

The absorbent article forms of the present disclosure are designed toavoid excessively short article Relaxed Product Side Length resulting ininadequate product anchoring due to the lack of supporting materialdisposed at the side of the article, which can result in improperplacement of the waist edge of the product, as well as product saggingand gapping. An article Relaxed Product Side Length that is too long canresult in the absorbent article being visible above the waist ofclothing worn over the article, which has a negative impact ondiscretion.

Discretion is very important to wearers who continue to experienceincontinence episodes well beyond other individuals their age. A RelaxedProduct Side Length designed to provide the necessary anchoring forcesat the leg, hip and/or waist to ensure the proper location of theproduct on the wearer, proper placement and stabilization of thegasketing elements while preventing the product from being seen abovethe waist line of the clothing being worn over the product is at thefoundation of the present disclosure. The Body Hip Circumference, due tothe relationship to the prominent point of the buttocks, generallyestablishes the primary line of tension, anchoring point, of theabsorbent article as it often represents the maximum circumferencearound the body. This is especially true for wearers who have a morepear-like body shape. In alternative embodiments, the Body WaistCircumference can be the primary line of tension, anchoring point of theabsorbent article as it can represent the minimum circumference aroundthe body especially for wearers who have a more hourglass body shape ora more apple-like body shape. This is a function of fit at the minimumcircumference of the body (belly crease to small of the back), whichmeans the product circumference would have to increase in order to slideor sag due to the increased body dimension at the hip. Products having alow Relaxed Product Length to Relaxed Side Length Ratio (longer sideseam length) can have improved fit and anchoring due to the increase inRelaxed Side Length, which provides a wider anchoring band and broaderdistribution of forces along the body at the waist, hip and legs. Pantdesigns like the one illustrated in FIG. 23, where the front (andback—not shown) waist edge 136 is fitted above a wearers 400 bellybutton 402 may provide for additional anchoring, but may not be asdiscrete as pant designs like the one illustrated in FIG. 24, where thefront (and back—not shown) waist edge 136 is fitted below a wearers 400belly button 402.

Absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be used to absorb andcontain liquid and other discharges from the human body to prevent thebody and clothing from becoming soiled. Wearers who suffer from urinaryincontinence including nocturnal enuresis urine can have instances ofhigh flow rate and high volume. Absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure having a low Product Length-to-Side Silhouette have a broaderanchoring band, which helps to locate and anchor the gasketing and fitelements of the product on the wearer thereby enhancing leakageprotection even at higher flow rates and/or higher volumes. In addition,the low Product Length-to-Side Silhouette provides a product wherein thewide anchoring band not only anchors and locates the functional elementsof the product on the wearer but it stabilizes the center chassisrelative to the anchoring band further enhancing the effectiveness ofthe gasketing and fit elements.

Absorbent articles of the prior art come in a variety of designs, eachtypically available in multiple sizes, including 2, 3 and 4 size arrays.The various sizes of the prior art absorbent articles typically affect,for example, the size of the waist opening, the size of the openingsaround the thighs, and the length or “pitch” of the article. The priorart articles are typically sized and sold by weight. If a consumerselects an absorbent article of the prior art based on the weight onlysome consumers will encounter slipping, sliding, sagging, drooping, or aloss of gasketing effects because weight alone does not adequatelycharacterize the differences in body shapes nor does it properly addressthe impact of anatomical differences across user sizes. Alternatively,depending on where the wearer is within the size range and/or thewearers shape, the thigh opening or pitch of the article may be toosmall for proper fit, potentially leading to wearer discomfort, skinmarking of the wearer's skin or improper application or positioning ofthe article and the article's gasketing elements on the wearer leadingto an increase in leakage and soiling.

Desirably, an absorbent article should be designed and sized to maintaincontact with and conform as closely as possible to a wearer's body. Sucha body-conforming design may increase the effectiveness of the absorbentarticle by reducing the possibility that urine, or the like, will spreador travel along the wearer's body and leak out of rather than beabsorbed into the absorbent article. However, current prior artabsorbent articles do not adequately address body shape as a function ofproduct shape and therefore do not fit a broad range of users adequatelyor provide the desired level of close fit. Typically packages ofabsorbent articles are labeled with a recommended wearer weight rangethat the packaged article is intended to fit. As a result, the weight isoften the sole criteria used to identify the size of the article. Theweight does not in itself adequately describe the body shape of theindividual and therefore does not help define the product form, hip orthigh circumference nor the pitch that may be needed to provide theproper fit, comfort, coverage and gasketing of the article. This is thecase even though other characteristics and anthropometric attributes ofpotential wearers (for example, age, height, waist circumference, thighcircumference, hip circumference and rise) may vary widely within therecommended weight range, and therefore may result in an ill-fittingarticle even though a wearer's weight falls within that range. There isa need for absorbent articles that conform well to various wearers' bodyshapes and sizes. While there is a wide range of body shapes and sizesavailable products do not reflect this wide range; rather, absorbentarticles available today within a given product array tend to be scaledversions of each other, and do not even follow the natural trend of bodyshape and dimensional changes across the range of consumers, i.e.smaller to larger wearers as well as wearers of varying shape.

These are all objects of the present disclosure; embodiments of thepresent disclosure may combine various objects mentioned. A particularembodiment may, but need not, embody every object as described.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An absorbent article may have a central chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent article may comprise afront waist region and a front waist edge, a back waist region and aback waist edge, a front belt disposed in the front waist region, and aback belt disposed in the back waist region. The front and back beltsare joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings. Thearticle may have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 toabout 1.5. The absorbent article may be in an array, where likeabsorbent articles each have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette fromabout 0.5 to about 1.5 and an Average Array Product Length-to-SideSilhouette is from about 0.5 to about 1.5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows Body Rise and Side Length against a body shape.

FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating how the average ratio of BodyRise-to-Side Length Ratio changes as Weight increases.

FIG. 3 shows Body Length and Side Length against a body shape.

FIG. 4a is a schematic cross section view taken along line 4 a/b-4 a/bof FIG. 12.

FIG. 4b is a schematic cross section view taken along line 4 a/b-4 a/bof FIG. 12.

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating how the average Body Length-to-SideSilhouette changes as weight increases.

FIG. 6 shows a pant product in closed form, in its relaxed state.

FIG. 7 shows a boxer pant product in closed form, in its relaxed state.

FIG. 8 depicts the variability of body shapes.

FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating examples of existing product arrays, andhow their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the BodyLength-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product istargeted to fit.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating examples of inventive product arrays,and how their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the BodyLength-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product istargeted to fit.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 7 in open form,laid flat, with a continuous belt in the front and back waist regions.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an absorbent article in open form, laid flatwith a continuous belt in the front and back waist regions.

FIG. 13 is a partially cut away plan view of a pant diaper in open form,laid flat with a pair of flaps, wherein the wearer-facing interior ofthe diaper faces the viewer.

FIG. 14 is a partially cut away plan view a pant diaper in open form,laid flat with front and rear flaps, wherein the garment-facing exteriorof the diaper faces the viewer.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 12 in closedform, wherein belts connect opposing waist regions.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 13 in closedform, wherein flaps connect opposing waist regions.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 14 in closedform, wherein side seams connect the flaps and opposing waist regions.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross section view taken along line 18-18 in FIG.13 of an example of a folded outer leg cuff.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross section view of a back belt-like flap takenalong line 19-19 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 20 shows Bar C (304) and Bar O (305) of the Sample Holder Apparatus

FIG. 21 shows a front view of a pant in closed form, in a relaxed state.

FIG. 22 shows a pant in the testing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating examples of existing product arrays, andhow their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the BodyLength-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product istargeted to fit.

FIG. 24 is a chart illustrating examples of inventive product arrays,and how their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the BodyLength-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product istargeted to fit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

“Pull-on garment” or “pant” means articles of wear which have a definedwaist opening and a pair of leg openings and which are pulled onto thebody of the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openings andpulling the article up over the waist.

“Disposable” means garments, which are not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., they are intended to bediscarded after a single use and to be recycled, composted or otherwisedisposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). The pull-ongarment may be “absorbent” such that it absorbs and contains the variousexudates discharged from the body.

“Closed form” means opposing waist regions are joined to form acontinuous waist opening and leg openings. See FIGS. 6, 7, and 15-17.

“Array” means a display of packages comprising disposable articles ofdifferent sizes having like article constructions (e.g., sameelastomeric materials [compositionally and/or structurally] in theflaps, graphic elements) said packages having the same brand and/orsub-brand, and said packages oriented in proximity to each other in agiven area of a retail store. An array is marketed as a line-up ofproducts normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packagingmaterial type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) thatconvey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of alarger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example,“Huggies,” and same sub-brand, for example, “GoodNites.” A differentarray may have the brand “Huggies” and the sub-brand “Pull-Ups.” Thedifferences between the “GoodNites” array and the “Pull-Ups” arrays mayinclude for example different side seams, where “Good Nights” comprisesa permanently closed side and “Pull-Ups” comprises a refastenable sideseam. Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that“GoodNites” is packaged in a predominately blue, film bag for boys and apredominantly pink, film bag for girls and “Pull-Ups” is packaged in apredominately blue, film bag for boys and a predominantly pink, film bagfor girls. The key differences are the wearers displayed on thepackaging wherein GoodNites packaging has older children displayed on itrelative to the children on the Pull-Ups packaging.

Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of thebrand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across the line-up.

“On-line Array” means an “Array” distributed by a common on-line source.

“Product Length-to-Side Silhouette” means Relaxed Product Length (300)(mm) divided by the Relaxed Product Side Length (303) (mm). See FIGS. 6and 7.

“Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette” means the averageProduct Length-to-Side Silhouette of each size offered in a productarray. For example, the Depend Underwear for Women (Maximum Absorbency)is marketed and sold in an array of 3 sizes: Small/Medium; Large andExtra Large. The Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette is theaverage of: The Product Length-to-Side Silhouette for size Small/Medium;the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette for size Large; and the ProductLength-to-Side Silhouette for size Extra Large. Tables 1 a and 1 b showexamples of the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette for some currentlymarketed product arrays.

“Relaxed Product Length” means the longitudinal distance between thelongitudinally distal most point in the crotch region and thelongitudinally distal most point along the front waist edge. Thelongitudinal distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

“Relaxed Product Hip Width” means the lateral distance from thelaterally distal most point of the left side edge of the product at theupper edge of the left leg opening to the laterally distal most point ofthe right side edge of the product at the upper edge of the right legopening. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7. The lateral distance is measuredperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product.

“Relaxed Product Waist Width” means the lateral distance from the distalmost point at the right side of the front waist edge to the distal mostpoint at the left side of the front waist edge. The lateral distance ismeasured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product. Refer toFIGS. 6 and 7.

“Relaxed Product Side Length” means the linear distance from the pointof intersection between the waist edge and the side edge of the productto the point of intersection between the top of the leg opening and thesame side edge of the product. The relaxed product side lengthmeasurement is the average of the measurements from the left and rightsides of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

“Side Length” means the vertical distance from the navel to the level ofthe hip (where the hips are defined at the maximum prominent point ofthe buttocks as seen from the side. See FIG. 3.

“Body Rise-to-Side Length Ratio” means the Body Rise (mm) divided by theSide Length (mm). See FIG. 1.

“Body Length-to-Side Silhouette” means the Body Length (mm) divided bythe Side Length (mm). See FIG. 3.

Consumers who are urinary incontinent especially those who are sufferingfrom nocturnal enuresis often are traumatized by the condition. Manyaspects of the condition contribute to the trauma, like the fear ofhaving an incontinent event in public. Even when wearing an absorbentarticle, there is still the fear of leaking, and the fear of theirabsorbent article being noticeable under their clothes. As suchproviding a product experience that helps normalize the condition byproviding a more underwear-like, thin and body conforming structureacross the entire weight/age range is one of the objects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a variety of specific shapes that may exist withineach weight range: rectangle (also known as cylindrical), hourglass,pear, and apple. The higher the weight, the further to the right (towardthe apple) a wearer typically is on this body shape scale. Theprevalence of these shapes differs among weight ranges, for instance,higher weight wearers have a higher probability of being apple or pearshaped. Absorbent articles may be marketed to wearers of a particularbody shape, such as apple, rather than focusing on exact weight values(which may be off-putting to a consumer), in order to match a wearerwith the article that will best fit their unique body shape or size.

It may be desirable to link the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette tothat of the targeted consumers Body Length-to-Side Silhouette in orderto achieve a better fitting, better conforming, better gasketingproduct. This may increase the wearing comfort for each consumer whilereducing leakage. Additionally, a product array where the ProductLength-to-Side Silhouette of each subsequently larger size follows thesame general trend as the Body Length-to-Side Silhouette for eachsubsequently larger size may also deliver a better fitting, betterconforming article to each consumer regardless of their respectiveweight.

The anthropometric measures of Body Rise and Side Length are illustratedin FIG. 1. The relationship between the ratio of Body Rise to SideLength Circumference versus Body Weight is illustrated in FIG. 2. Theprojected body shape measures Body Length and Side Length areillustrated in FIG. 3. The relationship of Body Length-to-SideSilhouette versus Body Weight is illustrated in FIG. 5. FIGS. 2 and 5illustrate that there is a correlation between Body Rise to Side Lengthversus Body Weight, and the Body Length-to-Side Silhouette versus BodyWeight.

Absorbent Article

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are generally designedand configured to manage bodily exudates such as urine, menses, feces orother vaginal discharges.

In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a chassiscomprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed atleast partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbentchassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and or elastic strands. Invarious embodiments, referring to FIGS. 12, an example absorbent article10 is shown in its flat uncontracted state prior to joining the sideseams, in some cases the side seams are formed by fastening components53 a and b.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, one end portion of theabsorbent article 10 may be configured as a front waist region 36 andthe longitudinally opposing end portion may be configured as a backwaist region 38. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article 10extending longitudinally between the front waist region 36 and the backwaist region 38 may be configured as a crotch region 37. The length ofeach of the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38 and thecrotch region 37 may be about ⅓ of the length of the absorbent article10, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 (versus coincidingwith the front and back belts as illustrated in FIG. 12. In otherembodiments, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the backwaist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may have other dimensions. Invarious embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may have a laterallyextending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and alongitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge 138in the back waist region 38.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, a chassis 100 of the absorbentarticle 10 may comprise a first longitudinally extending side edge 137 aand a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge137 b. Both of the side edges 137 may extend longitudinally between thefront waist end edge 136 and the back waist end edge 138. The chassis100 may form a portion of the laterally extending front waist end edge136 in the front waist region 36 and a portion of the longitudinallyopposing and laterally extending back waist end edge 138 in the backwaist region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 100 may comprise an interiorsurface 102, an exterior surface 104, a longitudinal axis 42, and alateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through a midpointof the front waist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of the back waistend edge 138, while the lateral axis 44 may extend through a midpoint ofthe first side edge 137 a and through a midpoint of the second side edge137 b.

In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole absorbent article 10may be made to be laterally extensible. The extensibility of theabsorbent article 10 may be desirable in order to allow the absorbentarticle 10 to conform to a body of a wearer during movement by thewearer. The extensibility may also be desirable, for example, in orderto allow the caregiver to extend the front waist region 36, the backwaist region 38, the crotch region 37, and/or the chassis 100 to provideadditional body coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailorthe absorbent article 10 to the individual wearer. Such extension mayprovide the absorbent article 10 with a generally hourglass shape, solong as the crotch region 37 is extended to a relatively lesser degreethan the waist regions 36 and/or 38. This extension may also impart atailored appearance to the absorbent article 10 during use.

Many current pull-on pant absorbent articles have a brief style design,dimensionally similar to full cut brief underwear. Such brief stylearticles are designed to fit in the waist at the navel of the wearer andalong the legs and sides at the level of the hip. All of these productshave side seams which have a length that is substantially less than thefolded length of the article as measured along the longitudinalcenterline. That means the hoop that supports the article only anchorsthe upper portion of the article and the remainder of the articledisposed primarily in the crotch has no lateral support and as such canshift and move with the wearer's movements. In addition, the weight ofthe center chassis, when loaded, also imparts a force having a vectorthat is substantially perpendicular to the force vector of the hoopwhich can contribute to degradation of the overall fit of the articleleading to sagging and gapping of gasketing elements and degradation ofarticle performance. In order to overcome this perpendicular degradationforce the force of the hoop would have to he so high that it would bedetrimental to the comfort of the wearer, resulting in poor fit,increased skin marking and difficulty of application, etc.

The stabilization benefits of a longitudinally longer elasticized beltstructure described herein are enabled by a product design having alower Product Length to Side silhouette. The lower Product Length toSide Silhouette is a result of a longer side seam length for a givensize absorbent article. The resultant Product Length to Side Silhouetteratio of these absorbent articles range from about 0.5 to about 1.6. Thelower Product Length to Side Silhouette results in product designs thatare similar to boy boxer brief and girl boy-short style underwear.

The boxer brief/boy-short silhouette absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure are designed to fit at the waist at or adjacent the navel andalong the legs below the hip closer to the level of the bottom of thecrotch of the center chassis. Such designs have side seams that arecloser to the folded length of the article as measured along thelongitudinal centerline. This style of fit minimizes the impact of thedynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the center chassisin the crotch by providing lateral stabilization along the legs therebyhelping to maintain contact and position of all of the gasketingelements of the center chassis. In addition, having more of theabsorbent core within the hoop created by the longer elasticized beltportion of the article also helps increase absorbent to body contactthereby improving fluid uptake and leakage prevention. In certainembodiments, the side seam length is preferably >60% and <100% of therelaxed product length of the article as measured along the longitudinalcenterline. in other embodiments, the side seam length ispreferably >70% and <100% of the relaxed product length of the articleas measured along the longitudinal centerline. in yet anotherembodiment, the side seam length is preferably >80% and <100% of therelaxed product length of the article as measured along the longitudinalcenterline. in another embodiment, the side seam length ispreferably >90% and <100% of the relaxed product length of the articleas measured along the longitudinal centerline.

The elastic features described herein enhance the dynamic fit of theabsorbent article about the wearer in those zones that undergo dynamicchanges caused by the wearer's movements. In an especially preferredembodiment, the absorbent article is provided with elastic waistfeatures, elastic leg cuffs, and elastic side/hip panels that provideelastic extensibility to provide greater freedom of movement for thewearer and a more comfortable and contouring fit by initiallyconformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this titduring use.

Due to the increased size and coverage of the elastic belt structures,these structures may have differential extensibility along thelongitudinal axis when stretched in the lateral direction. Thedifferential extensibility allows portions to laterally expand to agreater degree than other portions along the longitudinal axis. Thisdifferential extensibility provides a belt having both an abdominallycompliant front elastic portion as well as an elastically complianthip/leg portion that can expand differentially providing distinctiveshape, dimensions and forces targeted to adapt to the specific wearermovements of those regions as the wearer moves, sits, and stands.

Any or all portions of the absorbent article may comprise abacteriophage composition as described in U.S. Ser. No. 61/931,229,titled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES COMPRISING BACTERIOPHAGES ANDRELATED METHODS, and filed on Jan. 24, 2014.

Top Sheet

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b , 12 and 19, the absorbentarticle 10 may comprise a topsheet 81. The topsheet 81 may be compliant,soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and may beelastically stretchable in one or more directions. Further, the topsheet81 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine,and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. Varioustopsheets may also comprise a hydrophilic material, for example, whichis configured to draw bodily fluids into an absorbent core of thechassis 100 when these fluids are expelled from the body. A suitabletopsheet 81 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such aswoven and nonwoven materials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplasticfilms, apertured nonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulatedthermoplastic films, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example. Suitableapertured films may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,929,135, 4,324,246, 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 5,006,394, 5,628,097,5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539.

Apertured film or nonwoven topsheets typically may be pervious to bodilyexudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluidsto pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Suitable woven andnonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers, such as, for example,wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers, such as, for example,polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or combinationsthereof. If the topsheet 81 comprises fibers, the fibers may bespunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwiseprocessed, for example, as is generally known in the art.

The topsheet may comprise a skin care lotion. Examples of suitablelotions include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; 5,643,588; and 5,968,025, and asdescribed in U.S. Application No. 61/391,353.

In one embodiment, the topsheet may comprise graphics (e.g., 116 in FIG.15) such that depth perception is created as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,163,528.

Backsheet

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 18 and 19, for example,the absorbent article 10 may comprise a backsheet 83. The backsheet 83may be impervious, or at least partially impervious, to fluids or bodyexudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) and may bemanufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquidimpervious materials may also be used. The backsheet 83 may prevent thebody exudates or fluids absorbed and contained in an absorbent core ofthe absorbent article 10 from wetting articles which contact theabsorbent article 10, such as bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/orundergarments. The backsheet 83 may comprise a woven or nonwovenmaterial, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene orpolypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising afilm and a nonwoven material (e.g., having an inner film layer and anouter nonwoven layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylenefilm having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051mm (2.0 mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by ClopayCorporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation BR-120 andBR-121, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind., under thedesignation XP-39385.

One suitable material for the backsheet can be a liquid imperviousthermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.50 mil)to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example including polyethylene orpolypropylene. Typically, the backsheet can have a basis weight of fromabout 5 g/m² to about 35 g/m². The backsheet can be typically positionedadjacent the outer-facing surface of the absorbent core and can bejoined thereto. For example, the backsheet may be secured to theabsorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patternedlayer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots ofadhesive. Illustrative, but non-limiting adhesives, include adhesivesmanufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A., andmarketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment deviceincluding an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986. Another suitable attachment device includingseveral lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern isillustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,911,173; 4,785,996; and 4,842,666. Alternatively, the attachmentdevice may include heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamicmechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment device orcombinations of these attachment devices.

In one embodiment, the backsheet 83 may be embossed and/ormatte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further, thebacksheet 83 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core of theabsorbent article 10 (i.e., the backsheet 83 is breathable) while stillpreventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids or body exudates from passingthrough the backsheet 83. In one embodiment, the size of the backsheet83 may be dictated by the size of the absorbent article 10 and thedesign or configuration of the absorbent article 10 to be formed, forexample.

Absorbent Core

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 18 and 19, theabsorbent article 10 may comprise an absorbent core (also referred to asan “absorbent member” or “absorbent assembly” or “absorbent structure”or “absorbent composite”) 200 that is disposed between the topsheet 81and the backsheet 83. The absorbent core 200 may comprise a laterallyextending front edge 236 in the front waist region 36, a longitudinallyopposing and laterally extending back edge 238 in the back waist region38, a first longitudinally extending side edge 237 a, and a laterallyopposing and second longitudinally extending side edge 237 b. Both ofthe side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between the front edge 236and the back edge 238. In one embodiment, more than one absorbent core200 or more than one absorbent core layer may be provided in anabsorbent article 10, for example. The absorbent core 200 may be anysuitable size or shape that is compatible with the absorbent article 10.Example absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 200 of thepresent disclosure that have achieved acceptance and commercial successare described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,888,231; and4,834,735.

In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise cellulosicairfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may comprise lessthan about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of the cellulosic airfeltmaterial as determined by weight. Additionally, such an absorbent coremay be primarily comprised of an absorbent gelling material in amountsof at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100% asdetermined by weight. Furthermore, a portion of the absorbent core maycomprise a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such absorbent cores,microfiber glues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,599,335; 5,562,646; 5,669,894; 6,790,798; and 7,521,587 andin U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2004/0158212.

In one embodiment, the core, including multiple layers making up thecore system, may be printed and embossed as described in U.S. Pat. No.8,536,401.

In one embodiment, the core may be separable from the chassis asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,989,006; 7,381,202; 7,175,613; 7,824,386;7,766,887; and 6,989,005. In such embodiments, the measurementsdescribed in this disclosure may be made to the chassis alone or may bemade to the chassis in combination with the separable core/absorbentassembly.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article of the present disclosure, andparticularly, a portion where the absorbent member is disposed, may havea body fluid absorption rate greater than 3 g/sec according to US Pat.No. 6,649,810. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810, the expression “theportion (of the absorbent article) where the absorbent member isdisposed” is intended to mean the portion occupied by the absorbentmember when the absorbent article is flatly unfolded and seen in itsplan view.

In one embodiment, the absorbent structure may have an intake factorgreater than 3 according to US Pat. No. 7,073,373, wherein the intakefactor is defined as the absorbent core permeability divided by thenormalized retention capacity (which is defined by the RetentionCapacity Test—also according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073, 373).

In one embodiment, the absorbent composite has a body fluid absorptiongreater than 75 g/100 cm², according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810.

In one embodiment, a target location of the absorbent article may have awicking value greater than 36%, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,960.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a bending stiffnessbetween 0.05-1.0 gf, according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,796.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a crotch fluidabsorption rate greater than 3g/sec according to U.S. Pat. No.6,649,810. In one embodiment, a freeze-dried composite of the absorbentcomposite may have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cubiccentimeters (cc) of liquid/second at 80% composite saturation accordingto U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,934.

Leg Cuffs

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the chassis 100 of theabsorbent article 10 may comprise longitudinally extending and laterallyopposing leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b that are disposed on the interiorsurface of the chassis 100 that faces inwardly toward the wearer andcontacts the wearer. The leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b may comprise one ormore elastic gathering members disposed at or adjacent the proximal edgeof one or both of the leg cuffs 147. In addition, the elastic gatheringmembers of the leg cuff may also comprise one or more elastic strands146 disposed at or adjacent the distal edge of one or both of the legcuffs 147. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise severalembodiments for reducing the leakage of body exudates or fluids in theleg regions. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 are sometimes referred to asleg bands, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs. Suitableelasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, and 4,909,803,and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0312730. The leg cuffs 147 may be formed byfolding portions of the chassis 100 laterally inward, i.e., toward thelongitudinal axis 42, to form both the respective leg cuffs 147 and theside edges 137 a and b of the chassis 100. In other embodiments, the legcuffs 147 may be formed by attaching an additional layer or layers tothe chassis 100 at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137a and 137 b of the chassis 100. In one embodiment, the chassis 100 mayalso comprise other elastics disposed adjacent the side edges 137 whichmay cause the article 10 to form into a “U” shape when allowed to relaxthereby pulling the interior surface 102 of the front waist region 36toward the interior surface 102 of the back waist region 38.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may comprise a proximal edge 157 aand 157 b. These edges 157 a and 157 b are positioned proximate to thelongitudinal axis 42 compared to distal edges 139 a and 139 b. The legcuffs 147 may overlap the absorbent core 200, i.e., the proximal edges157 a and 157 b lie laterally inward of the respective side edges 237 aand 237 b of the absorbent core 200. Such an overlapped configurationmay be desirable in order to impart a more finished appearance to theabsorbent article 10 than that imparted by a non-overlappedconfiguration. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may not overlapthe absorbent core 200.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may be attached to the interiorsurface 102 of the chassis 100 in a leg cuff attachment zone (not shown)adjacent to the front waist end edge 136 and in a longitudinallyopposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the back waistend edge 138. In one embodiment, between the leg cuff attachment zones,the proximal edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 remains free, i.e., notattached to the interior surface 102 of the chassis 100 or to theabsorbent core 200. Also, between the longitudinally opposing leg cuffattachment zones, each leg cuff 147 may comprise one or more(specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per legcuff 147) longitudinally extensible cuff elastic gathering members 159that may be disposed at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of the legcuff 147 by any suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gatheringmembers 159 may be attached over the leg cuff's entire length or overonly a portion of the leg cuff's length. For example, such cuff elasticgathering members 159 may be attached only at or near the leg cuff'slongitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the middle of theleg cuff's length. Such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may bedisposed in the crotch region 37 and may extend into one or both of thefront waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. For example, anelastic gathering member 159 may be attached at or adjacent to theproximal edge 157 of each of the leg cuffs 147 and extends into both thefront waist region 36 and the back waist region 38.

In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member 159 may beenclosed inside a folded hem for example. In various embodiments, thecuff elastic gathering members 159 may be sandwiched between two layersforming the leg cuff 147, by two layers of the chassis 100, or may beattached on a surface of the chassis 100 or the leg cuff 147 and remainexposed.

In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic gathering member 159disposed adjacent to each leg cuff's proximal edge 157 allows the legcuff proximal edge 157 to extend to the flat uncontracted length of thechassis 100, e.g., the length of the chassis 100. When allowed to relax,the cuff elastic gathering member 159 contracts to pull the front waistregion 36 and the back waist region 38 toward each other and, thereby,bend the article 10 into a “U” shape in which the interior of the “U”shape may be formed by the portions of the article 10 that are intendedto be placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface 102).Because each of the proximal edges 157 remains free between thelongitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive forceof the elastic gathering member 159 may lift the proximal edge 157 ofthe leg cuff 147 away from the interior surface 102 of the chassis 100.This lifting of the proximal edges 157 when the article 10 is in therelaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs 147 into a position to serve asside barriers to prevent, or at least inhibit, leakage of bodilyexudates.

Waistband

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 14, the article 10 may comprise anelasticized waistband 112 a and b. The elasticized waistband may provideimproved fit and containment and may be configured to elastically expandand contract laterally to dynamically fit a wearer's waist. Theelasticized waistband may extend longitudinally outwardly from the waistedge of the absorbent article 10 toward the waist edge of the absorbentcore 200. In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may have twoelasticized waistbands, one positioned in the back waist region 38 andone positioned in the front waist region 36, although other pantembodiments may be constructed with a single elasticized waistband. Theelasticized waistband may be constructed in a number of differentconfigurations including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,595 and5,151,092.

In one embodiment, the elasticized waistbands may comprise materialsthat have been “prestrained” or “mechanically prestrained” (i.e.,subjected to some degree of localized pattern mechanical stretching topermanently elongate the material). The materials may be prestrainedusing suitable deep embossing techniques. In other embodiments, thematerials may be prestrained by directing the material through anincremental mechanical stretching system as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,330,458. The materials may then be allowed to return to theirsubstantially untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretchmaterial that is extensible, at least up to the point of initialstretching. Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,075,189, 3,025,199, 4,107,364, 4,209,563, 4,834,741, and5,151,092.

Flaps

The flaps 189(a-d) may be discrete from or integral with the chassis100. A discrete flap is formed as separate element, which is joined tothe chassis 100. In some embodiments, this includes a plurality offlaps, e.g. 2 or 4 (often referred to as ear panels or side flaps) beingjoined to the side edges 137 a and b of the chassis in the front and/orrear waist regions 36 and 38 (see FIGS. 12-17). In other embodimentsthis may include a front and/or back belt-like flaps (“belts”) beingjoined across the front and back (or rear) waist regions of the chassis100, at least across end edges of the chassis 136 and 138 (see FIGS. 4a, 4 b, 12 and 19). In some embodiments the waistbands 112 can overlapthe flaps to create a continuous belt-like structure (see FIG. 14).

The belt-like flaps and may comprise an inner nonwoven layer and anouter nonwoven layer and elastics there between. The inner and outernonwoven layers may be joined using adhesive or thermoplastic bonds.Various suitable belt-like flap configurations can be found in U.S. Pub.No. 2013-0211363. FIG. 11 illustrates belt flaps in the front and backwaist regions that are discrete and that have a relatively smalldistance between the front and back belt flaps such that only a smallportion of the chassis hangs below the belts (see FIG. 7).

An integral flap is a portion, one or more layers, of the chassis thatprojects laterally outward from the longitudinal edge. The integral flapmay be formed by cutting the chassis to include the shape of the flapprojection.

While many of the embodiments illustrated in this application havingbelt-like flaps are pant articles, taped articles may have belt-likeflaps disposed in one or both waist regions as well.

The structure of flaps play an important role in the functionality ofthe absorbent article and are fundamentally different than the elasticsused in underwear. As mentioned above, incontinence events, such as SUIand UUI, can result in a high flow rate and/or a full bladder release.The amounts of urine expelled during the incontinence events can varywildly given the type of urinary incontinence as well as othercircumstances such as time since last bathroom visit, amount of fluidintake, day or night, etc. Loadings can range from as low as a few dropsof urine to loadings as high as 600 mls. It is not unusual to havesingle loadings as high as 300, 400 and even 500 mls. These levels ofloading present a significant downward force associated with the loadingwhich can be a pound or more. This downward force must be compensatedfor by the absorbent article chassis in order to minimize sagging,gapping and leakage. In order to sustain the fit of the article evenafter loading the article comprises elastomeric element(s) 146,including films (including apertured films) and/or strands) that aredisposed proximate to and along the side seams 280 a and b (see, forexample, FIG. 15, where the elastomeric elements 146 terminate proximateto and along the length of the seams 280 a and b) of the article andextend laterally from one side toward the other. Each of the elastomericelements 146 may extend continuously from side seam 280 a to side seam280 b in the front and the back belts along the longitudinal distancefrom the belt waist edges 136, 138 to the opposite belt end edges(versus being cut as illustrated in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 12, and 15), suchthat one or more of the elastomeric elements 146 overlap with theabsorbent core 200; it may be desirable for 3 or more elastic elements146 to overlap with the core in the front and/or back waist regions 36and 38. These elastomeric element(s) should create a normal forceagainst the body sufficient to anchor the article. The location of theelastomeric element(s), as well as the forces exerted by the elastomericelement(s) can be varied to ensure proper anchoring at the hips andalong the body specifically across the front waist region and in theback waist region. One form of anchoring beneficial for sustaining thefit of a loaded article is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,500Absorbent Articles Providing Sustained Dynamic Fit issued Oct. 25, 1994to LaVon, et al. It should also be noted that regular underwear withelastic along the waist edge and leg edges would not typically providesufficient support to sustain the fit of the underwear if a weight of300-600 grams was applied to the crotch region of the underwear.

Fastening System

The absorbent article may also include a fastening system. Whenfastened, the fastening system interconnects the front waist region 36and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference that mayencircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 10. This may beaccomplished by flaps 189 a and b in the back waist regioninterconnecting with flaps 189 c and d in the front waist region or byflaps in the back waist region interconnecting with the chassis 100 inthe front waist region. The fastening system may comprise a fastener 53a and b such as tape tabs, hook and loop fastening components,interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots, buckles, buttons, snaps,and/or hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other knownfastening means are generally acceptable. The fasteners may releasablyengage with a landing zone 118, which may be a woven or nonwoven. Someexemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system may also provide a meansfor holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system may also include primary andsecondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622.The fastening system may be constructed to reduce shifting of overlappedportions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat Nos. 5,242,436;5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

Identical or Substantially Identical Chassis

As disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355, it may be desirable to offeran array of packages for fitting different sized wearers, but comprisingidentical or substantially identical chassis. For instance, an array maycomprise a first package comprising a first size of absorbent articlesand a second package may comprise a second size of absorbent articles,where the first and second packages comprise identical or substantiallyidentical chassis as described in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355. Moreparticularly, the first package may comprise a first chassis and thesecond package may comprise a second chassis, where each of the firstand second chassis comprise the same dimensions of one or more of: corewidth at the lateral centerline, core width at one of the front or rearcore end, a distance from a left outer cuff distal edge to a right outercuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff distal edge to aleft outer cuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff proximaledge to a right inner cuff proximal edge, a distance from a left innercuff proximal edge to a left outer cuff distal edge, a free height ofthe inner cuff, inner cuff hem fold width, inner cuff elastics length,outer cuff elastics length, core length, and backsheet width.

Further, each of the first and second chassis may comprise identicalchemical compositions of one or more of a topsheet, backsheet film,backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, corenonwoven, core tissue, leg cuff film, leg cuff nonwoven, super absorbentpolymer adhesive, core nonwoven adhesive, leg cuff elastic adhesive, andbacksheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise the same basisweight of one or more of the topsheet, backsheet film, backsheetnonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, leg cuff nonwoven,leg cuff film, super absorbent polymer adhesive, leg cuff adhesive, andbacksheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise compositionallyidentical core super absorbent polymers. The first and second chassismay have identical component cross sectional order and disposition in atleast one of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotchregion. The inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may becomposed of the compositionally identical materials.

And, the core adhesives of the first and second chassis may be the sameadhesive(s). The first and second chassis may comprise core superabsorbent polymers that are in the same chemical class and subclass.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise first and secondwetness indicators, respectively, and wherein the first and secondwetness indicators are compositionally identical.

Further, the inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may haveidentical component cross sectional order and disposition in at leastone of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotch region. Thedistance from the left outer cuff distal edge to a right outer cuffdistal edge may the same. The distance from the left inner cuff proximaledge to left outer cuff distal edge may be the same. The distance fromthe left inner cuff proximal edge to the right inner cuff proximal edgeis the same. The lengths of the inner and outer cuffs are the same.

In some embodiments, different size offerings in an array may haveidentical or substantially identical chassis as the flaps or belts maybe used to enable the absorbent article to fit different sized wearers.For example, first and second absorbent articles may have identicalchassis (compositionally, dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but thefirst article may have a different length due to disposition of thebelts, such that the first article may be targeted to fit a smallerwearer than the second article. As a second example, first and secondabsorbent articles may have identical chassis (compositionally,dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have adifferent length and/or width due to the size of the belts, such thatthe first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than thesecond article.

In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may haveidentical chassis compositionally, but not dimensionally, and notcross-sectionally. In some embodiments, first and second absorbentarticles may have identical chassis dimensionally, but notcompositionally, and not cross-sectionally. In some embodiments, firstand second absorbent articles may have identical chassiscross-sectionally, but not dimensionally, and not compositionally. Instill other embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may havetwo, but not three of (1) compositionally, (2) dimensionally, and (3)cross-sectionally identical chassis.

TABLE 1a Examples of Existing Product Arrays Product Side Seam ArrayAverage Array Average Average Relaxed Relaxed Relaxed Product Length-Length Product Product Length- Targeted Product Product ProductHip-to-Side to-Side to Relaxed Hip-to-Side to-Side Weight Length HipWidth Side Length Silhouette Silhouette Product Silhouette Silhouette(kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Length (mm/mm) (mm/mm) PampersUnderJams size S/M 23 228 222 121 1.832 1.882 53% 1.952 1.978 size L/XL33 241 241 116 2.073 2.075 48% Huggies GoodNites Pull Ups size S/M 23234 262 139 1.887 1.683 59% 1.993 1.749 size L/XL 42 248 287 137 2.0981.815 55% Wallgreens Well Beginnings Sleep size S/M 23 252 271 136 2.0021.857 54% 1.996 1.870 size L/XL 42 256 271 136 1.991 1.884 53% Target Upand Up Nighttime size S/M 23 230 228 131 1.739 1.750 57% 1.830 1.797size L/XL 42 254 265 138 1.920 1.844 54% Parents Choice Night Time sizeS/M 25 256 267 134 1.990 1.909 52% 1.959 1.904 size L/XL 42 258 262 1361.928 1.899 53% Kroger Comfort Night Pants size S/M 23 236 249 139 1.7891.693 59% 1.927 1.762 size L/XL 42 249 281 136 2.065 1.830 55% MeijerNight Time size S/M 23 232 246 140 1.760 1.653 60% 1.853 1.730 size L/XL42 252 271 139 1.946 1.808 55%

TABLE 1b Examples of Existing Product Arrays Product Side Seam ArrayAverage Array Average Average Relaxed Relaxed Relaxed Product Length-Length Product Product Length- Targeted Product Product ProductHip-to-Side to-Side to Relaxed Hip-to-Side to-Side Weight Length HipWidth Side Length Silhouette Silhouette Product Silhouette Silhouette(kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Length (mm/mm) (mm/mm) DependFit-Flex Underwear for Women Moderate size S/M 69 335 263 179 1.4681.867 54% 1.496 1.969 size L 98 371 274 202 1.353 1.834 55% size XL 113385 291 175 1.666 2.205 45% Depend Silhouette Active Fit Briefs forWomen Moderate size S/M 69 265 360 130 2.769 2.038 49% 2.424 1.927 sizeL/XL 98 345 395 190 2.079 1.816 55% Always Discreet Classic CutUnderwear Maximum size S/M 69 320 295 195 1.513 1.641 61% 1.605 1.650size L 98 340 330 200 1.650 1.700 59% size XL 114 370 380 230 1.6521.609 62% Always Discreet Lower Rise Underwear Moderate size S/M 69 280315 175 1.800 1.600 63% 1.755 1.655 size L 98 325 325 190 1.711 1.71158%

TABLE 2 Examples of Inventive Product Arrays Relaxed Relaxed ProductSide Seam Array Average Array Average Average Relaxed Product ProductProduct Length- Length Product Product Length- Targeted Product Hip SideHip-to-Side to-Side to Relaxed Hip-to-Side to-Side Weight Length WidthLength Silhouette Silhouette Product Silhouette Silhouette (kg) (mm)(mm) (mm) (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Length (mm/mm) (mm/mm) 1^(st) Inventive Array(2 package array) 1^(st) Package in Array 20 323 301 215 1.400 1.500 67% 1.393 1.434 2^(nd) Package in Array 26.5 350 355 256 1.387 1.367 73% 2^(nd) Inventive Array (3 package array) 1^(st) Package in Array 20280 280 255 1.098 1.098  91% 1.061 1.045 2^(nd) Package in Array 30 300305 285 1.070 1.053  95% 3^(rd) Package in Array 40.5 320 330 325 1.0150.985 102% 3^(rd) Inventive Array (4 package array) 1^(st) Package inArray 18.5 206 293 232 1.263 0.888 113% 1.182 0.829 2^(nd) Package inArray 26.5 220 319 265 1.204 0.830 120% 3^(rd) Package in Array 34.5 240343 304 1.128 0.789 127% 4^(th) Package in Array 41.5 250 350 309 1.1330.809 124%

It may be desirable to link the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette to theBody Length-to-Side Silhouette in order to deliver a more boxer orboyshort-like product shape relative to the body shape. Boxer andboyshort-like underwear exhibit Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes thatare less than the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes. Tables 1a and 1bdetails some of today's marketed product arrays. FIG. 9 shows how theProduct Length-to-Side Silhouettes of these arrays compare to the BodyLength-to-Side Silhouettes. It can be seen that today's product arraysdo not provide Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes less than BodyLength-to-Side Silhouettes.

Table 2 illustrates several inventive arrays of 2, 3, and 4 packages,whose Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes are less than the BodyLength-to-Side Silhouettes and provide more boxer and boyshort-likeproducts. These inventive arrays are provided simply as non-limitingexamples. Other inventive Length-to-Side Silhouette arrays are possiblewithin the scope of this disclosure. These inventive arrays are alsoshown in FIG. 10.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article having a ProductLength-to-Side Silhouette value of from about 0.5 to about 1.5, or fromabout 0.75 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.5, or from about 1to about 1.4, or from about 1 to about 1.3.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article having a ProductLength-to-Side Silhouette value from about 0.5, about 0.75, about 1, orabout 1.5 to about 1.3, about 1.4, or about 1.5, and any combinationthereof.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article having a RelaxedProduct Side Length greater than about 65%, about 75%, about 85%, about95%, about 100%, about 105%, about 110%, or about 115%, but less thanabout 125%, of the Relaxed Product Length.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article within an array, thearray comprising two or more absorbent articles, where one or moreabsorbent articles in the array has a Product Length-to-Side Silhouettevalue of from about 0.5 to about 1.5, or from about 0.75 to about 1.5,or from about 1 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.4, or fromabout 1 to about 1.3. Further, it may be desirable to have an ArrayAverage a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette value of from about 0.5 toabout 1.5, or from about 0.75 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.4, or from about 1 to about 1.3.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article within an array, thearray comprising two or more absorbent articles, where one or moreabsorbent articles in the array has a Relaxed Product Side Length lessthan about 40%, about 35%, about 30%, or about 25% of the RelaxedProduct Length.

Test Methods Product Measurement Preparation

All measurements are conducted at 22° C.+/−2° and 50% RH+/−20%.

Purpose

This method is used to prepare pant type products for subsequentdimensional measurement. The method provides a consistent means ofopening a product that has been removed from a bag. This method isapplicable to all forms of pant products. A constant rate of extensiontensile testing machine with computer interface is used.

A load cell is chosen so that the load cell capacity ensures accuracy ofa 5N load to within 0.1N.

Sample Holder Apparatus

“C” (304) and “O” (305) Bar attachments each with a rod radius of 9.50mm that extend longer than the length of the longest side seam. Refer toFIG. 20. The bars are mounted horizontally in the tensile tester withtheir longitudinal axes in the same vertical plane and with upper barmounted directly above the lower bar.

Equipment Set Up

Calibrate tensile tester equipment according to the instrumentmanufacturer's recommendations.

The initial gauge length is determined by removing 10 sample productsfrom the bag, unfolding the pant products (307) and laying them flat asillustrated in FIG. 21, below and measuring the distance between thesides of the pant at the waist as shown (306). The average of the waistmeasurement will be used as the initial gauge length for the specificset of specimens. The initial gauge length is the distance from theuppermost edge of the upper bar to the lowermost edge of the lower bar.

Apply the whole product (307) to the bars as shown in FIG. 22 whileminimizing manipulation of the specimen.

Pull Sample to 5N Force then hold for 10 seconds. Return to initialgauge length.

Crosshead Speed=254.0 mm/min, Data acquisition rate=50 Hz.

Cycles=1

Remove the specimen from the bars while minimizing manipulation. Lay thespecimen flat with the front side facing upward as shown in FIG. 6.

Repeat for all 10 specimens

Physical Measurements

Each of the measurements below is to be conducted on 10 separate likespecimens and the average of the 10 separate like specimens isconsidered to be the measurement for that specific specimen set.

Relaxed Product Length (300)

Relaxed Product Length is the longitudinal distance between thelongitudinally distal most point in the crotch region and thelongitudinally distal most point along the front waist edge. Thelongitudinal distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Relaxed Product Hip Width (301)

Relaxed Product Hip Width is the lateral distance from the laterallydistal most point of the left side edge of the product at the upper edgeof the left leg opening to the laterally distal most point of the rightside edge of the product at the upper edge of the right leg opening.Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7. The lateral distance is measured perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the product.

Relaxed Product Waist Width (302)

Relaxed Product Waist Width is the lateral distance from the distal mostpoint at the right side of the front waist edge to the distal most pointat the left side of the front waist edge. The lateral distance ismeasured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product. Refer toFIGS. 6 and 7.

Relaxed Product Side Length (303)

Relaxed Product Side Length is the linear distance from the point ofintersection between the waist edge and the side edge of the product tothe point of intersection between the top of the leg opening and thesame side edge of the product. The relaxed product side lengthmeasurement is the average of the measurements from the left and rightsides of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Each of the measurements above is recorded to within +/−1.0 mm

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article having a central chassis,the central chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbentcore, the absorbent article comprising: a front waist region and a frontwaist edge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; a front beltdisposed in the front waist region; a back belt disposed in the backwaist region; wherein each of the front and back belts comprise at leastone elastic element; wherein the front and back belts are joined atseams to form a waist opening and leg openings; and wherein the articlehas a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 1.5. 2.The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a ProductLength-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.75 to about 1.5.
 3. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the article has a Product Length-to-SideSilhouette from about 1 to about 1.5.
 4. The absorbent article of claim1, wherein the article has a Relaxed Product Side Length greater thanabout 65%, but less than about 125%, of the Relaxed Product Length. 5.The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the article has a RelaxedProduct Side Length greater than about 75%, but less than about 125%, ofthe Relaxed Product Length.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 3, whereinthe article has a Relaxed Product Side Length greater than about 85%,but less than about 125%, of the Relaxed Product Length.
 7. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic elementis an apertured film.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theside seam length is greater than about 70% and less than about 100% ofthe Relaxed Product Length of the absorbent article.
 9. An array ofpackages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles,the array comprising: a first package comprising a first absorbentarticle having a first size; a second package comprising a secondabsorbent article having a second size; wherein the first absorbentarticle comprises: a front waist region and a front waist edge; a backwaist region and a back waist edge; a front belt disposed in the frontwaist region; a back belt disposed in the back waist region; wherein thefront and back belts are joined at seams to form a waist opening and legopenings; wherein the second absorbent article comprises: a front waistregion and a front waist edge; a back waist region and a back waistedge; a front belt disposed in the front waist region; a back beltdisposed in the back waist region; wherein the front and back belts arejoined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; wherein atleast one of the first and second absorbent articles has a ProductLength-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 1.6; and wherein atleast one of the first and second absorbent articles has a RelaxedProduct Length of less than about 260 mm and greater than about 170 mm.10. The array of packages of claim 9, wherein the first and secondpackages comprise the same brand name.
 11. The array of packages ofclaim 9, wherein the front and back belts of at least one of the firstand second articles comprise first and second films.
 12. The array ofpackages of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second absorbentarticles has a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 to about1.6.
 13. The array of packages of claim 12, wherein each of the firstand second absorbent articles has a Relaxed Product Length of less thanabout 260 mm and greater than about 170 mm.
 14. The array of packages ofclaim 9, wherein each of the first and second absorbent articles has aside seam length is greater than about 70% and less than about 100% ofthe Relaxed Product Length of the absorbent article.
 15. The array ofpackages of claim 9, wherein the first and second sizes are different.16. The array of packages of claim 9, wherein the first and second sizesare substantially the same.
 17. The array of packages of claim 15,wherein the first and second packages comprise the same brand name. 18.The array of packages of claim 15, wherein the first and secondabsorbent articles comprise chassis having identical cross-sectionaldispositions.
 19. An absorbent article having a central chassis, thecentral chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbentcore, the absorbent article comprising: a front waist region and a frontwaist edge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; a front beltdisposed in the front waist region; a back belt disposed in the backwaist region; wherein the front and back belts are joined at seams toform a waist opening and leg openings; and wherein the article has aProduct Length-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.6; and a ProductHip-to-side from about 0.5 to about 1.7.
 20. An absorbent article havinga central chassis, the central chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet and an absorbent core, the absorbent article comprising: afront waist region and a front waist edge; a back waist region and aback waist edge; a front belt disposed in the front waist region; a backbelt disposed in the back waist region; wherein each of the front beltand back belt comprise a first belt layer and a second belt layer and anelastic layer between the first belt layer and the second belt layer;wherein each of the first belt layer and the second belt layer of eachof the front belt and back belt have a distal edge disposed in the waistregion and a proximal edge disposed in the crotch region; wherein thefront and back belt are discrete and separate from each other; whereinthe front and back belts are joined at seams to form a waist opening andleg openings; and wherein the article has a Relaxed Product Side Lengththat is greater than about 65% of the Relaxed Product Length.